Harley refused to recognize the problem yet multiple persons have since confirmed to me that this is a common problem including professional harley mechanics. No safety defect listed in the summary.
The worst 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHT problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical4
- Suspension1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical4
- Suspension1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: fl touring motorcycles. A loss of electrical power through the ignition switch can occur due to excessive current and other factors.
- Risk
- This condition can cause the engine to fail to start, operate erratically, or stall.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch/circuit breaker and install a relay kit.
Recall number 98V158000 · Recall details
What 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHT owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Consumer received recall letter in july concerning ignition switch. Dealer has no parts available to correct the problem, they are still on back order. Recall number 98v15000. *ak
Consumer received recall letter in july 1998. Contacted dealer, no parts were available to remedy the problem. Dealer has not yet received parts from the manufacturer. Recall number 98v158000. Please give any further details.
The consumer received a recall letter stated that they needed a part for their ignition switch. However the parts have not been available since receiving the letter , which was on july 22nd. The recall no. Is 98v158000.
Motorcycle would not start. Took motorcycle to dealership & it was repaired under warranty. No crash or injuries. 1997 flhtcui brought jan 1997, read it in mcn.
Cruise control malfunction caused by faulty speedometer.
Vehicle pulls to left.
Compare the 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHT
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Questions about the 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHT
Is the 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHT reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHT, 2.3 times a typical FLHT model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHT?
Electrical system, with 4 complaints. Next is suspension (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHT have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHT electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V158000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
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